Live Match Center: Tottenham v Gillingham

Tottenham Team News

The line ups are in, and we’ve got a few surprises here.

Pochettino indeed did name a mix of bench players and Academy graduates, but Gillingham will also have to face off against two of Tottenham’s most fearsome stars.

Christian Eriksen and Érik Lamela both feature alongside youngster Josh Onomah in the attacking band of three behind Vincent Janssen. Both playmakers were left out of the side that beat Sunderland 1-0 on Sunday, though their inclusion here is still surprising.

So too is Janssen’s, though to a lesser degree. Pochettino acknowledged on Tuesday that Academy striker Shayon Harrison would have also been included in the matchday squad had it not been for a groin strain. As it stands, Janssen will get his first taste as Tottenham’s sole fit striker on Wednesday.

Behind the attack, Tom Carroll and Harry Winks will team up as the central midfield pair. Presumably Carroll will be the more advanced of the two, filling the Mousa Dembélé role.

The defense featured the back-up full-backs in Ben Davies and Kieran Trippier. In the last surprise of the team, Kevin Wimmer and Cameron Carter-Vickers team up in central defense as both Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld are rested for the occasion. Michel Vorm reprises his role as Hugo Lloris takes a break from goalkeeping.

Gillingham’s teamsheet features one name that might be somewhat familiar to Premier League fans — former Leicester City left-back Paul Konchesky — but not much else. It looks like just about their strongest XI, though, so there’s no doubt that they will be going for it.

Check back at half-time for some snap analysis!